Light box regulating sleep?

Mimi09

Does anyone have any experience of using a light box to regulate sleeping patterns rather than SAD?

DD gets up at 4am and we're at the end of our tether. I've been using a behavioural approach for the past 6 years, but after a meeting today have googled sleep cycles.

A number of articles are suggesting use of a light box in the evening to regulate the body clock. They are pretty expensive, I was wondering if anyone has used one to extend sleep - and whether it worked?

Mojisola

I don't see how using a light box in the evening could help unless you're trying to keep her awake..

The body makes melatonin to help the body sleep. Bright lights stop this happening. Light boxes are usually used first thing in the morning to wake people up.

poorly_scammo

I have lightbulbs in my living and bedrooms which are at the requisite kelvin temperature to work as daylight and these help me wake up not go to sleep.

Have you looked at her diet? Certain foods can interfere with sleep patterns in my experience.

nzmegs

I use a light box every morning. I find that it allows me to feel tired earlier in the evening - making me go to sleep earlier and have a longer sleep. If you want your daughter to wake later she may need to go to bed later and the light box will help to keep her awake for a little longer if it is used in the evening. it also really improves my mood. it is the best thing at this time of the year for general tiredness and moodiness.

Mojisola

We use ours regularly over the winter and on grey, gloomy days at other times of the year. I think it helps us wake up properly.

the_cat

I suppose the first question to ask is:

Does she sleep later in the summer when the evenings are light for longer?

Badger_Lady

Yes, I have this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0044YO9BE/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=103612307&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000Z23BH2&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=0ZG9PFAH2NSTK3WZPNMM

I use it to simulate dusk in the evening so I fall asleep at the right time, and to simulate dawn in the morning to gently wake me up. My job demands a lot of international travel so I take it with me to adjust sleeping patterns to different time zones. Sometimes jetlag will leave me with very short nights - I can't say that this device alone helps that, to be honest a strict dietary regime seems to be the most important to me but it's always in combination with this.

Personally, I love it and could never go back... it's a completely natural way to regulate my sleeping pattern and, although it's far from cheap, I judge it to be worth the money.

Whether or not it would work for your DD I really couldn't say! Is she tired at other times during the day, or is she just one of those kids who doesn't seem to need much sleep?

minimoneyme

Hi,
Try this test
http://www.philips.co.uk/c/circadian/178344/cat/
It is from a Philips go lite blu light box I use for SAD
OH has used it successfully to change his sleep cycle (real night bird, not sleepy until 2) now he's sleepy by 11/12 pm, and much more chirpy in the morning.
After doing the test it will give you a tailored programme of when and for how long the light box should be used
Yes, they are expensive, in my case I was lucky and got it reduced to product test. But I think I would have paid full price. Hth

Mankysteve

You can save a bit money by using a 6400k bulb, which can be had from many source for a few quid.

Mimi09

Thank you Minimoney, the test is really useful and suggests she has severe rythm disorder and would benefit from light in the evening to extend her day. I'll definitely try this. Fingers crossed.

Thank you all for your advice: behaviour / diet has been worked on for a looong time, I feel I need to look at other possible issues.